Underwater mining



March 1, 1966 A. L. JONES ETAL UNDERWATER MINING 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 14, 1964 TIE-8 xxxQL INVENTORS ARCHER L. JONES 61mm LHHZSHMAN ATTORNEY5 March 1, 1966 A. L. JONES ETAL 3,237,562

' UNDERWATER MINING Filed April 14, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I. V G E; g F INVENTURS 1% ARCHER L. JONES CEIRA L. HmsHMAM Mk1 W ATTORNFYS March 1, 1966 A. L. JONES ETAL 3,237,562

UNDERWATER MINING Filed April 14, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 e2 I165 L 8 3\ \2 INVENTOR 5 ARCHER L. JONES @IRA L. H|RSHMAN ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,237,562 UNDERWATER MINING Archer L. Jones, Hampton, and Ira L. Hirshman, Newport News, Va., assignors to Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Va., a corporation of Virginia Filed Apr. 14, 1964, Ser. No. 359,691 21 Claims. (Cl. 103-87) The present invention relates to underwater mining, and more particularly to mining operations which are carried out at great depths beneath the surface of the water. The underwater mining operations contemplated in the present invention are particularly concerned with the mining .and recovery of solid substances from the floors and subfloor regions of the sea.

The apparatus as illustrated in detail in the present application is also generally illustrated and described in co-pending US. patent application Serial No. 332,999 wherein the specific structure as illustrated in the instant application is shown in combination with other components employed in an over-all underwater mining operation.

While the apparatus of the present invention may be utilized in other applications, it is especially adapted for use in undenwater mining operations for recovering materials such as manganese nodulesor other solid materials which generally are present at depths from about 400 feet to 12,000 feet or more beneath the surface of the sea.

This type of mining operation is carried out from a ship moves along the surface of the sea with a hollow conduit means or pipe means suspended therefrom in a generally vertical direction and having a collecting means at the lower end thereof for sweeping or traversing a particular area of the sea bottom and collecting the desired material. This material is then suitably raised to the ship as by the utilization of pumping means which produces movement of a stream of liquid from the collecting means to the ship of sufficient velocity to entrain the solid material and carry the solid material to the ship.

A particular feature of the underwater mining arrangement discussed above is the provision of the pumping means at an intermediate point in the conduit means, or in other words the pumping means is adapted to operate at a substantial depth beneath the surface of the sea. In a typical example, where the solid material is to be raised from the seat bottom at a depth of about 3,000 feet beneath the surface, the pumping means may be positioned at a depth of approximately 450 feet beneath the surface. it will be understood that the entrained liquid will be sucked upwardly from the collecting means through the conduit means to the pumping means and then pumped under pressure the additional distance upwardly to the ship. It is a principal purpose of the present invention to provide a self-contained pumping unit which can be connected at an intermediate point in a conduit means and which is substantially liquidtight and capable of operation at great depths and under high pressures while the unit is being moved through the water along with entire mounting rig as the ship moves along the sea surface.

The present invention is especially directed to an underwater mining arrangement for mining solid substances such as manganese nodules which are solid generally spherical bodies which occur in varying sizes. As a practical matter, it is considered that mining of nodules from about three quarters inch to six inches in diameter is a most economical and eflicient arrangement. In order to accommodate the desired flow of nodules through the conduit means of the present invention, a large conduit means is necessary and may in a typical example have an inner diameter of approximately 19 inches.

"The pumping unit must be on a corresponding scale and must incorporate a large pump which may have a capacity of 14,000 gallons per minutes or more and a weight in excess of 30,000 pounds. The pumping unit also includes a driving motor for the pumping means which may have for example a 2,100 horse power rating at 550 revolutions per minute and a weight in excess of 26,000 pounds. It is evident that the unit must provide a very large strong and rigid heavy-duty construction in order to suitably support and mount the pump and motor as Well as the associated equipment within the pumping unit.

The pumping unit includes an outer enclosure or shell which is substantially liquid-tight and within which the various components such as the pump and motor as well as the auxiliary equipment are housed. From time to time certain adjustments and repairs of this equipment will become necessary, and accordingly means is provided for gaining access to the various components of the apparatus. This access means takes the form of an opening provided in the outer enclosure plus support platform means and a ladder within the enclosure which are suitably positioned so as to support personnel at appropriate locations for servicing the equipment.

The aforementioned access means enables relatively minor repairs and adjustments to be made but occasionally major repairs and adjustments may be necessary wherein for example the pump or the motor must be removed from the outer enclosure and either repaired or replaced. To effect such removal, means is provided for dismantling the outer enclosure which is divided into upper and lower separable portions. These separable portions may be detached from one another and a unique lost motion connection is provided between the upper portion of the enclosure and the motor mounted therewithin whereby the motor can be supported by the upper enclosure portion and readily removed from the pump. The motor or the pump can then be readily removed from the outer enclosure as desired, whereupon the components can be assembled in operative relationship. This removal of the motor by means of the lost motion connection can be readily effected simply by causing relative vertical movement between the upper and lower portions of the enclosure.

Since the power required to operate the motor of the pumping means is considerable, the prime power source is preferably mounted in the ship, and means is provided for transmitting power from such remote location to the interior of the pumping unit.

Cooling means is also provided for cooling the motor and preventing overheating thereof, an auxiliary water pump being provided within the enclosure for supplying water to this cooling means. The water pump also supplies water to the pump seals and stuffing box of the pumping means as hereinafter explained. In order to provide a constant source of cool water for the auxiliary water pump, a water inlet means is provided which is in communication with the exterior of the enclosure so as to readily take in surrounding sea water.

In order to control the pressure and amount of water within the enclosure, an auxiliary source of air under pressure is provided within the enclosure, release of air from this auxiliary source of air being controlled by means of a float valve which is mounted in the lowermost portion of the enclosure. Rising of the water level within the enclosure will operate the float valve so as to control the air under pressure released to the interior of the enclosure. Additionally, a relief valve is provided at the lowermost portion of the enclosure through which water or air or both may be discharged, this pressure relief valve being set to open at a predetermined pressure existing within the enclosure of the pumping unit.

Means is also provided for providing air under pressure to the interior of the enclosure from a remote source. For example, air under pressure may be stored on the ship and transmitted by suitable conduit means to the air inlet means provided for this purpose, and air can thereby be selectively charged into the interior of the enclosure.

An object of the present invention is to provide a selfcontained pumping unit for use in underwater mining operations at great depths and which is adapted to be connected in a conduit means and be substantially liquidtight and capable of operation under high pressures while moving through the Water.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a self-contained pumping unit which is of large, strong, rigid, reinforced heavy-duty construction so as to provide a firm support for the large size components housed therewithin.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pumping unit including access means so as to permit ready ervicing of the equipment within the enclosure means of the pumping unit without disassembling the enclosure means.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a pumping unit including means for readily disassembling the unit for removal and replacement of large components such as the pump and motor thereof and which further permits quick and easy reassembly of such components.

A still further object of the invention is the pro-vision of a pumping unit including means for providing power to the equipment within the pumping unit from a source of power at a remote location.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a pumping unit including pumping means and a driving motor therefor, there being provided cooling means for the motor and means for supplying water to the cooling means as well as to the pump seals and pump stufling box.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision of a self-contained pumping unit including means for controlling the pressure and water level within the enclosure means of the unit.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a self-contained pumping unit including means for supplying air under pressure from a remote location to the interior of the unit.

Yet a further object of the invention to provide a pumping unit which is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction, yet which is quite sturdy and reliable in operation.

Other objects and many attentdant advantages of the invention will become more apparent when considered in connection with the specification and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of the pumping of the present invention illustrating the manner in which it is connected at an intermediate point in a conduit means employed in underwater mining operations;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 22 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 33 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows and being partially broken away to illustrate certain structural features;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the center of the pumping unit illustrated in FIG. 1 and being taken substantially along line 44 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal vertical section through the apparatus taken substantially along line 55 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating the components in a different position for dismantling the components;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view illustrating the details of construction of portions of a lost motion connection of the apparatus;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 of FIG. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 1010 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, an enclosure or shell is indicated generally by reference numeral 10 and includes an upper portion 11 and a lower portion 12, these portions being provided with peripheral radially outwardly extending flanges 11 and 12' which are adapted to be disposed in abutting relationship as seen for example in FIG. 4 when the pumping unit is in its assembled operative position. As seen in enlarged section in FIG. 10, the upper surface of the lower portion 12 is provided. with a peripherally upwardly facing groove within which is disposed a suitable sealing ring 13 which is adapted to provide an effective liquid-tight seal between the two halves of the enclosure when in operative position.

The flange portions 11' and 12' are clamped in operative relationship as shown by means of a clamping means including the four sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 as seen for example in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of these clamping sections having a cross sectional configuration as seen in FIG. 10 wherein it will be noted that section 18 is provided with an inwardly facing recess 20 extending throughout the length thereof, this recess having tapered upper and lower surfaces 20' and 20" which are adapted to cooperate with complementary tapered upper and lower surfaces on the flange portions 11' and 12 respectively. It is evident that by forcing the section 18 inwardly as seen in FIG. 10, the two flange portions 11' and 12' will be very tightly clamped against one another compressing the sealing means 13 to provide an effective fluid-tight joint. The ends of the sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 are provided with outwardly extending lateral flanges 15', 16, 17 and 18' respectively at the opposite ends thereof, these adjacent flanges as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 being bolted together by nut and bolt assemblies indicated generally by reference numerals 22, the bolts extending through suitable aligned openings provided within the adjacent flange portions. It is evident that by drawing the clamping sections together as shown in their operative relationship, they will be moved inwardly so as to clamp the flanges 11 and 12' together thereby providing a good fluid-tight seal and preventing the entrance of liquid into the interior of the hollow enclosure.

The lower portion 12 of the enclosure includes a substantially dome-shaped lower wall 25 and a reinforcing plate 26 is secured to the central inner facing surface of the lower wall portion. A central opening is provided through members 25 and 26, and an inlet conduit portion 28 extends through the aligned openings provided in members 25 and 26, these members all being rigidly secured to one another as by welding or the like so as to also provide a fluid-tight joint.

Referring particularly to FIG. 9, it will be seen that the lower end of the inlet conduit portion 28 is provided with a lateral annular flange portion 29. The means for attaching flange portion 29 to an adjacent portion of the conduit means of the mining apparatus comprises an annular member 30 which is adapted to fit about the outer surface of inlet conduit portion 28 and to rest upon flange portion 29. The annular portion 30 is preferably keyed to member 28 but can move through a small arc with respect thereto. A plurality of spaced openings 32 are porvided through annular member 30, these spaced openings being adapted to receive attaching bolts for securing the inlet conduit portion to an adjacent portion of the conduit means as will be well understood.

An annular ring member 30 is positioned in spaced relationship below the dome-shaped lower wall of the lower portion of the enclosure, ring being connected with a peripherally extending wall 31 which extends vertically between the upper surface of ring 30 and the under surface of wall 25, being suitably secured thereto as by welding or the like. A plurality of radially extending plates are provided between the under surface of lower wall 25 and the upper surface of ring 30. As seen in FIG. 3, six equally spaced elongated plates 33 are provided, the radially inward portions of these plates being secured as by welding to the outer surface of the inlet conduit portion 28, a similar number of shorter plates 34 being provided, these plates extending vertically between ring 30 and wall 25. All of these plates are rigidly secured in operative position as by welding or the like to thereby provide a very strong rigid and reinforced lower portion of the enclosure.

A pump support ring is provided, this ring being of substantially annular configuration as seen in FIG. 3, a plurality of support members 41 extending between the ring and the inner surface of the lower portion 12, a similar number of support members 42 extending between the ring 40 and the outer surface of the inlet conduit portion 28. As shown, members 41 and 42 may be six in number, although it is apparent that any suitable number of spaced support members may be provided, all of these interconnected members being rigidly secured to one another as by welding and the like.

Pumping means 44 is supported on the pump support ring 40, the pumping means being of a relatively large volume as mentioned hereinbefore and being of a conventional construction. The inlet means being indicated generally by reference numeral 45, this inlet means being connected with the inlet conduit portion 28. The outlet from the pumping means is indicated by reference numeral 46, this outlet having a flange 46 formed at the outer end thereof. A discharge conduit portion is indicated by reference numeral 47, this discharge conduit portion having a peripheral flange 47' at the lower end thereof which is adapted to be connected with the peripheral flange 46 by means of nut and bolt assemblies 50 so as to provide a liquid-tight joint therebetween.

The upper portion of the discharge conduit portion 47 extends through aligned openings formed in the upper wall 52 of the upper portion of the enclosure and a reinforcing plate 53 secured to the under surface thereof, these components being suitably secured together as by welding or the like so as to provide a rigid interconnection therebetween and a liquid-tight joint. A plurality of spaced angles brace members 54 shown as being six in number have the upper ends thereof rigidly secured to the under surface of plate member 53, the lower end portions of the angle brace members being rigidly secured to an annular ring member 55 which is afi'ixed to the inner surface of the upper portion 11 of the enclosure. It is evident that the interconnection of these last-mentioned components provides a very strong, rigid and reinforced upper portion for the enclosure means.

The discharge conduit portion extends upwardly above the top Wall 52 of the enclosure, and a plurality of spaced reinforcing gusset plates 57 are connected between the outer surface of the conduit portion and the upper wall 52. A rigid collar 60 extends peripherally around the outer surface of the discharge conduit portion and is affixed thereto, this collar being adapted to receive suitable means for supporting the pumping unit when lifting and lowering the unit into operative position. A further flange portion 62 is connected with the uppermost end of the discharge conduit portion, this flange portion being shown in detail in FIG. 8. A plurality of openings 63 which are spaced around the flange are provided in the flange, these openings being counterbored at 64 to receive as a press fit therewithin nuts 65 having threaded holes 66 extending therethrough. Flange 62 is employed for securing the uppermost end of the discharge conduit portion to the conduit means extending from the pumping unit upwardly to the ship, and is also employed during handling operations for raising and lowering the unit.

As seen particularly in FIG. 4, an annular plate 70 is supported on the pump means, and a vertically extending substantially cylindrical wall 71 extends upwardly from member 70. The side wall portions of member 71 are provided with circular cutout portions 72 for the purpose of lightening the member. Cutout portions 72 also provide access to the glands and bearings of pump 44. An annular member 75 is supported at the upper end of the cylindrical Wall portion 71, and a plurality of spaced vertical members 76 extend between members 70 and 75 so as to provide a very rigid and strong structure, all of these members being suitably interconnected as by welding and the like.

A suitable driving means in the form of an electric motor or the like is indicated at 80, this motor including a plurality of spaced downwardly extending foot members 82 having flanges 83 at the lower ends thereof which are adapted to be secured to the annular member 75 by nut and bolt assemblies 85. It is accordingly apparent that members 70, 71, 75 and 76 comprise a motor mounting means whereby the motor is mounted and supported by the pumping means. In other words, the motor while being housed within the upper portion 11 of the enclosure is not directly supported thereby, but rather is supported by the pumping means which is in turn mounted in and supported by the lower portion of the enclosure. The drive shaft of motor is indicated by reference numeral 80', and the shaft 44 is connected with the pumping vanes of pumping means 44. Shafts 80 and 44' are interconnected by a conventional flexible coupling indicated generally by reference numeral 87.

Access may be gained to the interior of the enclosure when in its assembled relation as shown through an access open-ing which is normally closed by an overlying access cover 91 which is suitably secured in liquid-tight relationship with the enclosure means. This arrangement is a conventional manhole construction which is well known in the art.

A pair of lower platform means 93 and 94 are secured to the inner surface of the lower part of the upper portion 11 of the enclosure, each of these platform means extending through an angle of approximately 150 degrees. An upper platform means 96 is also secured to the inner surface of the upper portion 11 of the enclosure, the upper platform extending through an angle of approximately 90 degrees. A vertically extending ladder means 98 is secured to the inner surface of the upper portion of the enclosure whereby personnel can enter through the access opening 90, and then move around on the two lower platform means 93 and 94 and then move upwardly along the ladder means 98 to the upper platform means 96. With this arrangement, ready access is gained to all of the equipment disposed within the enclosure whereby servicing of the equipment may be carried out.

Cooling means in the form of a cooling jacket 100 is disposed around motor 80 so as to prevent excessive overheating thereof, an auxiliary water pump 102 being secured to the outer portion of the motor and being operatively driven through a driving connection 104 connecting the motor with the auxiliary water pump. Water under pressure from the water pump passes through a conduit 106 and thence through a conduit 107 into the cooling jacket 100. Water also passes downwardly through a conduit 109 having a coupling means 110 connected therein, the conduit means providing water under pressure to the seals of the main pumping means 44. A conduit 108 discharges liquid from the cooling jacket 100 downwardly to the stuffing box of the main pumping means 44. A conduit 115 having a detachable coupling 116 connected therein is connected with the auxiliary water pump 102 and is also connected with a water inlet means 117 which is in communication with the outside of the enclosure. Water may be drawn in through the water inlet means 117 to supply water to the auxiliary water pump 102.

An auxiliary source of air under pressure is provided in the form of a pair of tanks 120 and 121 which may contain auxiliary air at a pressure of approximately 4500 p.s.i., each of these tanks having a capacity of approximately cubic feet at atmospheric pressure. Thetanks are supported from the inner surface of the upper portion 11 of the enclosure, tank 120 being supported by a bracket member 122 and a strap member 123, tank 121 being supported by a bracket 124 and a strap member 125. Each of tanks 120 and 121 is connected with a common valve 130 which is normally open and which in turn is connected by means of a conduit 131 having a coupling 132 connected therein with a float valve indicated generally by reference numeral 135. This float valve is controlled by means of a float member 137 the position of which is governed by the level of liquid which accumulates in the bottom of the lower portion 12 of the enclosure. When the level of such liquid rises to a certain point, the float member 137 will be raised so as to open the float valve and to discharge air under pressure into the interior of the enclosure.

A relief valve 140 is provided in the lower part of the lower portion 12 of the enclosure, this relief valve being set to open at a predetermined pressure. It is apparent that the interrelationship of the float valve and the auxiliary source of air pressure along with the relief valve will serve to control the pressure within the interior of the enclosure as well as the liquid level in the lower portion thereof.

An air inlet means 142 is provided in the lower wall 25 of the lower closure portion 12, this air inlet being connected with a conduit 143 which may extend upwardly to the ship and which may be connected with a source of air under pressure Within the ship whereby air under pressure may be selectively charged into the interior of the assembled enclosure.

A junction box 146 is secured to the outer portion of motor 80 and a power cable 148 is connected with this junction box which of course in turn is operatively connected with the motor. The power cable 148 extends out through a liquid-tight fitting 150 provided in the lower wall portion 25 of the enclosure, the power cable extending upwardly around the outer surface of the enclosure to a junction box 152 secured to the upper wall portion 52. A power cable 154 in turn extends from the junction box 152 upwardly to the source of remote power provided in the ship. It should be noted at this point that the portion along which the power cable 148 extends is the aft portion of the enclosure as it moves through the water while the tanks 120 and 121 are disposed adjacent that portion of the enclosure which is the forward portion as related to the direction of movement through the water.

A lost motion interconnection is provided between the motor 80 and the upper portion 11 of the enclosure, and this lost motion interconnection includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly extending motor support means which may be four in number and which are indicated generally by reference numeral 160 as seen for example in FIG. 2 of the drawings. The details of construction of each of these motor support means is substantially identical and may be understood from an inspection of FIG. 7. As seen in this figure, each of the motor support means includes a radially outwardly extending channel member 161 which opens in a downward direction. A pair of gusset plates reinforcing members 162 are provided between the outer surface of the motor and the channel member 161. A downwardly extending guide member 165 extends downwardly from channel member 161.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly extending portions which may also be four in number are provided on the upper portion 11 of the enclosure and extend inwardly from the inner surface thereof. Each of these inwardly extending portions is indicated generally by reference numeral 170, and the details thereof may be understood from an inspection of FIG. 7. As seen in FIG. 7, each of these inwardly extending portions 170 includes a pair of spaced plates 171 and 172 which are secured to the inner surface of the upper portion 11, a cross plate 173 being secured between the upwardly facing edges at the outer ends thereof, and a cross plate 174 being secured between the outermost end portions of these plates.

It is apparent that when the enclosure is in its operative assembled relationship as seen in FIG. 4 for example, personnel may enter the interior thereof by removing the access cover 91 and entering through access opening whereupon the personnel may service the equipment by utilizing the platform means 93, 94 and 96 as well as the ladder means 98. When more major repairs are required or when it is desired to remove or replace either the pumping means or the motor, it is necessary to dismantle the structure.

In order to dismantle the structure, the clamping portions 15, 16, 17 and 18 are of course removed. Personnel can enter through the access opening 90/ and disassemble the various couplings which interconnect the conduit means between the upper and lower portions thereof. The flanges 46 and 47 are disconnected by removing the nut and bolt assemblies 50, and the feet portions 82 of the motor are disconnected by removing the nut and bolt assembiles 85. The flexible coupling 87 may also then be disconnected. When all of these components have been disconnected, the upper portion 11 of the enclosure may be moved vertically with respect to the lower portion 12 thereof. As the upper portion 11 moves vertically as indicated, it will move into the position shown in FIG. 6 where the inwardly extending portions 170 connected therewith will come into engagement with the outwardly extending motor support means secured to the motor. When means 176 and 160 come into engagement as described above, further vertical movement of the upper portion 11 with the respect to the lower portion 12 will move the motor upwardly with respect to the motor thereby disconnecting the motor from the pumping means. After this takes place, the two portions of the enclosure may be moved laterally with respect to one another, and either the pumping means or the motor may be removed as desired. It is apparent that after moving members 170 and 160 into engagement with one another, the upper portion 11 of the enclosure may be moved laterally and then lowered so as to lower the motor onto a suitable support so that the motor can thereby be removed from the upper enclosure portion. It is evident that this procedure may be reversed so as to quickly and easily reassemble the components when desired.

It should also be noted that the downwardly extending plates serve as guide means during relative vertical movement of the upper enclosure portion 11 with respect to the motor so that the upper enclosure portion and the motor remain in proper spaced relationship during such relative vertical movement until portions engage portions 160 to lift the motor off of the motor mounting means which is in turn supported by the pumping means.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there is provided according to the present invention a new and novel selfcontained pumping unit which is adapted to be connected at an intermediate point in a conduit means utilized in underwater mining operations. The pumping unit in its assembled relationship is substantially liquid-tight and is capable of operation at great depths and under high pressures while moving through the water. The pumping unit of the present invention provides an enclosure and a support means which is very large, strong, rigid and of reinforced heavy-duty construction so as to provide adequate support and protection for the components housed therewithin. Access means in the form of an access opening as well as platform means and ladder means is provided so as to permit personnel to enter the unit while it is in its assembled relationship to permit servicing of the equipment without disassembling the unit. In addition, means is provided for readily dismantling the unit for removal and repalcement of large components such as the pump and motor, this means also permitting quick and easy reassembly of the unit. Means is incorporated for providing power to the equipment within the pumping unit from a power source at a remote location. Cooling means is provided for the motor, and means is provided for affording a source of water under pressure to the seals and stufiing box of the main pumping means. Means is provided for controlling the pressure and the water level within the enclosure in an automatic manner, and air may also be supplied to the interior of the pumping unit from a remote location on the associated ship. It is further noted that the pumping unit of the present invention is quite simple and inexpensive in construction, and yet is quite sturdy and reliable in operation.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential charcteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

We claim:

1. A self-contained pumping unit adapted to be connected in a conduit means employed in underwater mining operations at great depths comprising an enclosure including an upper port-ion and a lower portion, means for connecting said upper and lower portions together in fluid-tight relationship, an inlet conduit portion extending through said lower portion and being rigidly secured thereto and providing a fluid-tight joint therewith, pumping means supported by said lower port-ion, said inlet conduit portion being operatively connected with said pumping means, an outlet from said pumping means, a discharge conduit portion extending through said upper portion and being rigidly secured thereto and providing a fluid-tight joint therewith, the lower end of said discharge conduit portion being operatively connected with said outlet from the pumping means by a releasable connection disposed within the assembled enclosure, driving means disposed within the upper portion of said enclosure, said driving means being releasably supported by said pumping means.

2. A pumping unit adapted to be connected in a conduit means employed in underwater mining operations at great depths including a hollow enclosure means, said enclosure means including a plurality of separate portions, means for connecting said enclosure portions to one another in substantially liquid-tight relationship wit-h one another, an inlet conduit portion extending through a wall of one of said enclosure portions and being rigidly secured thereto and forming a fluid-tight seal therewith, pumping means disposed within said hollow enclosure, said inlet conduit portion being operatively connected with said pumping means, a discharge conduit portion extending through a wall portion of another of said enclosure portions and being rigidly secured thereto and forming a fluid-tight seal therewith, said discharge conduit portion being operatively connected with said pumping means by a releasable connection within the assembled enclosure means, and driving means for said pumping means it) disposed Within said hollow enclosure, said driving means being detachably supported by said pumping means.

3. A self-contained pumping unit adapted to be connected in a conduit means employed in underwater mining operations at great depths comprising a hollow enclosure, said enclosure including a pair of separate portions, means for connecting said pair of portions to one another in substantially liquid-tight relationship, pumping means supported by one of said ortions of said enclosure, drive means for said pumping means operatively connected therewith and supported thereby, said drive means being disposed within the other of said portions of said enclosure, an inlet conduit portion extending through a wall of said one of said enclosure portions and being rigidly secured thereto and forming a fluid-tight seal therewith, said inlet conduit portion being operatively connected with said pumping means, a discharge conduit portion extending through a wall of said other of .said enclosure portions and being rigidly secured thereto and forming a fluid-tight seal therewith, said discharge conduit portion being operatively connected with said pumping means by a releasable connection within the assembled enclosure, said enclosure including access means for providing access to the interior thereof for repairing and replacing equipment as required.

4. A self-contained pumping unit adapted to be connected in a conduit means employed in underwater mining operations at great depths comprising a hollow enclosure, said enclosure including a plurality of separate portions, means for detachably securing said separate portions to one another in substantially liquidtight relationship, pumping means supported within said enclosure, an inlet conduit portion extending through a wall of said enclosure and being operatively connected with said pumping means, a discharge conduit portion extending through the wall of said enclosure and being operatively connected with said pump-ing means, driving means operatively connected with said pumping means for operating said pumping means, said driving means being detachably mounted on said pumping means, and means providing a lost motion interconnection between said driving means and one of said enclosure portions whereby said driving means and said one enclosure portion are normally out of contact with one another when the apparatus is in its operative position, said lost motion connection providing for interengagement between a portion of said driving means and a portion of said one enclosure portion upon relative movement therebetween so as to support said driving means from said one enclosure portion.

5. A pumping unit as defined in claim 4 wherein said lost motion connection includes a plurality of spaced outwardly extending driving means support means operatively connected with said driving means, said one enclosure port-ion including a plurality of spaced inwardly extending portions adapted to engage said driving means support means for supporting the driving means from said one enclosure portion upon interengagement of the driving means support means and said portions of the one en closure portion.

6. A pumping unit as defined in claim 5 including guide means for maintaining said driving means support means and said inwardly extending portions of said one enclosure portion in proper operative spaced relationship with respect to one another.

7. A pumping unit adapted to be connected at an intermediate point in a conduit means employed in underwater mining operations at great depths comprising an enclosure including a pair of separable portions, said separable portions including an upper portion and a lower portion, pumping means disposed within said enclosure, means for securing said separable enclosure portions to one another in substantially liquid-tight relationship with respect to one another, an inlet conduit portion extending through the lower enclosure portion and being operatively connected with said pumping means, a discharge conduit portion extending through said upper enclosure portion and being operatively connected with said pumping means, a driving motor for said pumping means and being operatively connected therewith, said motor being detachably mounted on said pumping means, said enclosure including access means for gaining access to the interior of said enclosure, and a lost motion interconnection being provided between said motor and said upper enclosure portion, said lost motion connection including a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly extending motor support means operatively connected with said motor, and said upper enclosure portion including a plurality of spaced radially inwardly extending portions adapted to engage said motor support portions for supporting said motor from said upper enclosure portion upon relative movement between said upper enclosure portion and said motor.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said access means comprises an opening provided through a side wall of said enclosure, a removable acess cover disposed in overlying relationship to said opening, said enclosure being provided on the interior thereof with platform means for supporting personnel within the enclosure so as to gain access to the equipment therewithin.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 including a source of auxiliary air disposed within said enclosure, float valve means disposed within said enclosure for operatively releasing air from said source of auxiliary air, and relief valve means providing communication between the interior of said enclosure and the exterior thereof.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 including auxiliary water pump means disposed within said pumping unit for providing water under pressure therewithin, and water inlet means providing communication between the outside of said enclosure and said auxiliary water pump means.

11. A self-contained pumping unit adapted to be connected at an intermediate portion of a conduit means employed in underwater mining operations at great depths comprising a hollow substantially liquid-tight enclosure, said enclosure including a pair of separate portions, means for detachably connecting said separate portions to one another in substantially liquid-tight relationship with respect to one another, said enclosure portions including an upper portion and a lower portion, pumping means disposed within said enclosure and supported by the lower enclosure portion, an inlet conduit portion extending through said lower enclosure portion and being operatively connected with said pumping means, a discharge conduit portion extending through said upper enclosure portion and being operatively connected with said pumping means, a driving motor disposed within said enclosure and being detachably mounted on said pumping means, said discharge conduit portion also being detachably connected with said pumping means to permit disassembly of the unit, access means for providing ready access to the interior of said enclosure for repairing and replacing components thereof as required, said access means including an opening formed in said enclosure and a removable access cover normally closing said opening, said enclosure including platform means on the interior thereof for supporting personnel therewithin in position for servicing equipment therewithin, and a lost motion interconnection between said upper enclosure portion and said motor, said lost motion interconnection including a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly extending motor support means operatively connected with said motor, said upper enclosure port-ion having a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly extending portions adapted to engage said motor support means upon relative movement between said upper enclosure portion and said motor for supporting said motor from said upper enclosure portion whereby the upper enclosure portion may be separated from said lower enclosure portion and said motor may be separated from said pumping means by providing relative movement between said upper and lower enclosure portions.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 including guide means for maintaining said upper enclosure portion and said motor means in proper operative spaced relationship so as to ensure proper interengagement between said motor support means and said radially inwardly extending portions on said upper enclosure portion.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 12 including an auxiliary source of air pressure mounted within said upper enclosure portion, float valve means disposed within said lower enclosure portion and operatively connected with said auxiliary source of air pressure for releasing air presure within said enclosure upon predetermined movement of said float valve means, and relief valve means providing communication between the interior of said enclosure and the exterior thereof and adapted to release pressure within said enclosure when it exceeds a predetermined amount.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 including cooling means for said motor, an auxiliary water pump disposed within said enclosure and operatively connected with said cooling means, and water inlet means providing communication with the exterior of said enclosure and operatively connected with said auxiliary water pump means for providing a source of water to said auxiliary water pump.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 including air inlet means connected with the interior of said enclosure and being adapted to be connected with a remote source of air under pressure, and power inlet means in communication with the interior of said enclosure and being adapted to be connected with an exterior source of power.

16. A self-contained pumping unit adapted to be connected at an intermediate point in a conduit means employed in underwater mining operations at great depths comprising an enclosure including an upper portion and a lower portion, means for detachably securing said upper and lower portions to one another in substantially liquid-tight relationship so as to provide a hollow substantially liquid-tight enclosure, said lower portion including support means, pumping means supported on said support means, an inlet conduit portion extending through the central lower part of said lower enclosure portion and being operatively connected with said pumping means, a discharge conduit portion extending through the central upper part of said upper enclosure portion and being detachably connected with said pumping means, motor mounting means supported on said pumping means, a driving motor for said pumping means operatively connected therewith and being detachably mounted on said motor mounting means, cooling means for said motor, an auxiliary water pump operatively connected with said cooling means for providing water thereto, said water pump also being operatively connected with a portion of said pumping means, an auxiliary source of air supported within said upper enclosure portion, said upper enclosure portion also including access means including an opening formed therethrough and having a removable access cover disposed in overlying relationship thereto, said access means also including a plurality of vertically spaced platform means supported within said upper enclosure portion for supporting personnel therewithin so as to gain access to equipment therewithin, and means providing a lost motion interconnection between said upper enclosure portion and said motor and including a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly extending motor support means operatively connected with said motor, said upper enclosure portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly extending portions adapted to engage said motor support means for supporting said motor from said upper enclosure portion, guide means for maintaining said upper enclosure portion and said motor in proper operative spaced relationship to ensure proper interengagement of said motor support means with said inwardly extending portions on said upper enclosure portion, said pumping unit permitting dismantling thereof by producing relative vertical movement between said upper and lower enclosure portions and permitting upward movement of said motor with respect to said pumping means upon disconnection of the detachable mounting therebetween and upon int-erengagement of said lost motion connection means.

17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16 including water inlet means, said water inlet means providing communcation between the exterior of said enclosure and the interior thereof, means providing communication between said water inlet means and said auxiliary water pump and including detachable coupling means for permitting detachment of said water pump from said water inlet means when desired.

18. Apparatus as defined in claim 16 including float valve means mounted within the lower portion of said enclosure means and being operatively connected with said auxiliary source of air for releasing air into the interior of said enclosure upon predetermined movement of said float valve means, said float valve means being connected with said auxiliary source of air by conduit means including detachable coupling means for permitting detachment thereof when desired.

19. Apparatus as defined in claim 18 including relief valve means mounted in the lower enclosure portion and providing communication between the interior of said enclosure and the exterior thereof, said relief valve means being adapted to open upon the presence of the predetermined pressure within said enclosure.

20. Apparatus as defined in claim 16 including air inlet means mounted within the lower enclosure portion, said air inlet means opening into the interior of said enclosure and being adapted to be connected with an external source of air under pressure.

21. Apparatus as defined in claim 16 including power inlet means mounted within the lower enclosure portion and being adapted to be connected with said motor, said power inlet means being adapted to be connected with an external source of power for operating said motor.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,138,664 11/1938 Money 230-58 2,994,732 8/1961 Cuzzone et a1 10387 FOREIGN PATENTS 188,221 1/ 1957 Austria. 1,142,773 1/1963 Germany.

471,594 5/1952 Italy.

DONLEY I. STOCKING, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT M. WALKER, Examiner. 

1. A SELF-CONTAINED PUMPING UNIT ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED IN CONDUIT MEANS EMPLOYED IN UNDERWATER MINING OPERATIONS AT GREAT DEPTHS COMPRISING AN ENCLOSURE INCLUDING AN UPPER PORTION AND A LOWER PORTION, MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID UPPER AND LOWER PORTIONS TOGETHER IN FLUID-TIGHT RELATIONSHIP, AN INLET CONDUIT PORTION EXTENDING THROUGH SAID LOWER PORTION AND BEING RIGIDLY SECURED THERETO AND PROVIDING A FLUID-TIGHT JOINT THEREWITH, PUMPING MEANS SUPPORTED BY SAID LOWER PORTION, SAID INLET CONDUIT PORTION BEING RIGIDLY EXTENDING THROUGH SAID UPPER PUMPING MEANS, AN OUTLET FROM SAID PUMPING MEANS, A DISCHARGE CONDUIT PORTION EXTENDING THROUGH SAID UPPER PORTION AND BEING RIGIDLY SECURED THERETO AND PROVIDING A FLUID-TIGHT JOINT THEREWITH, THE LOWER END OF SAID DISCHARGE CONDUIT PORTION BEING OPERATIVELY CONNECTED WITH SAID OUTLET FROM THE PUMPING MEANS BY A RELEASABLE CONNECTION DISPOSED WITHIN THE ASSEMBLED ENCLOSURE, DRIVING MEANS DISPOSED WITHIN THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID ENCLOSURE, SAID DRIVING MEANS BEING RELEASABLY SUPPORTED BY SAID PUMPING MEANS. 